Defense
State Department drops ban on HIV-positive diplomats
Change was made after consultation with medical experts and in response to a lawsuit.
Defense
Security clearance process still a paperwork exercise
Technology association official says only a Web-based system will reduce backlog of needed clearances.
Defense
DHS abandons proposed labor relations system
Omnibus spending measure effectively prevented department from implementing new rules.
Pay & Benefits
SEC scales back pay-for-performance ambitions
Agency vows to move more cautiously before linking employees' pay to reviews.
Oversight
Federal officials strategize on boosting acquisition workforce
Internships and new training programs are tools agencies hope will attract and retain contracting employees.
Pay & Benefits
Federal workforce growing more diverse, says OPM
Government boasts more minorities than general labor force, but Hispanics and women still underrepresented.
Pay & Benefits
Pushing Preferences
President Bush wants to expand a special hiring program for military spouses beyond Defense agencies.
Pay & Benefits
Vets' groups urge IT budget boost for benefits processing
The agency would see 18 percent cut under president’s 2009 request.
Pay & Benefits
Pay reforms said to need scrutiny, care-taking
Pay-for-performance systems susceptible to bias and money woes, witnesses tell House panel.
Oversight
Bush urges federal agencies to purchase from blind, severely disabled
President promotes a federal procurement initiative that provides jobs for disabled Americans.
Oversight
Coalition calls for more Social Security funding and oversight
Groups criticize office closures, Bush funding request.
Defense
Lawmaker to DHS: Don’t give appointees career status
The House Homeland Security chairman is worried about the department’s transition planning.
Pay & Benefits
GAO, union reach agreement on 2008 pay raises
Some agency analysts would receive a pay boost of 4.49 percent.
Oversight
FDA still underfunded, say lawmakers
Despite president’s latest budget boost, some believe it’s not enough for agency to fulfill its mission.
Defense
GAO says Defense workforce plan insufficient
The Pentagon is not prepared to tackle a pending retirement wave and other looming workforce challenges, says watchdog agency.
Pay & Benefits
Unions clash over TSA representation
AFGE, NTEU battle for membership, influence among the rank and file at the Transportation Security Administration.
Oversight
Extra funds could help Social Security improve claims processing
SSA chief says workforce buried under avalanche of baby boomer retirement and disability claims.
Pay & Benefits